University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-Los Angeles is a public university in Los Angeles, CA ranked #48 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 33,040 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 8.7%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 96.8% first-year retention, and 92.7% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $14,013, about $2,985 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 5.4%, roughly 79.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $59,063. That's about $15,375 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting.
Who is University of California-Los Angeles Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of California-Los Angeles graduates 92.7% of students within six years and keeps 96.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of California-Los Angeles's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,747 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,574 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,148 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,562 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $36,643 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.1% of University of California-Los Angeles students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,864 to $30,481 depending on family income. Use University of California-Los Angeles's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,250/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,481/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $59,063
- 10-Year Median Earnings $59,063
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,983
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 78.6%
- Employment Rate 88.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of California-Los Angeles graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of California-Los Angeles vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of California-Los Angeles's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of California-Los Angeles's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $59,063 median, the 5.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 33,040
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 96.8%
- Graduation Rate 92.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of California-Los Angeles
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of California-Los Angeles requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 8.7%, University of California-Los Angeles is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 8.7% acceptance rate, University of California-Los Angeles is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of California-Los Angeles undergraduates. Economics, Sociology, and Political Science and Government draw the most students.
- Economics 8.2%
- Sociology 7.8%
- Political Science and Government 6.9%
- Psychology, General 6.2%
- Biology, General 5.5%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 3.9%
See more majors
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studi 3.4%
- English Language and Literature, General 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $218,770
- 2. Computer Engineering $191,628
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $127,528
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $123,885
- 5. Business/Managerial Economics $118,000
- 6. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $114,571
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $108,947
- 8. Chemical Engineering $105,166
- 9. Civil Engineering $102,084
- 10. Economics $100,784
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $287,429
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $212,869
- 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $178,507
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $172,729
- 5. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $169,099
- 6. Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral Degree) $165,864
- 7. Applied Mathematics (Master's Degree) $161,706
- 8. Engineering, General (Master's Degree) $160,755
- 9. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $158,596
- 10. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $144,451
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $218,770—117% more than Economics ($100,784). Graduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General programs lead with $287,429 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of California-Los Angeles. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 833 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 809 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 787 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 704 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 631 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (74 programs)â–¼
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Applied Mathematics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Computer Science
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Statistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Cognitive Science
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Philosophy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Human Biology
- Area Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Civil Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Music
- Physics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemistry
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Design and Applied Arts
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- International/Global Studies
- Literature
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Dance
- Materials Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Architecture
- Materials Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Public Policy Analysis
- Genetics
Online Master's Degrees (73 programs)â–¼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Public Health
- Education, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Social Work
- Civil Engineering
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Economics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Public Policy Analysis
- Library Science, Other
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Psychology, General
- Materials Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Music
- Mathematics
- Political Science and Government
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Sociology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- History
- Geography and Cartography
- Chemical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Archeology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Anthropology
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Computer Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Dance
- Architecture
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Information Science/Studies
- Genetics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
Online Doctoral Degrees (64 programs)â–¼
- Education, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Economics
- Materials Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- History
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Public Health
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Political Science and Government
- Anthropology
- Music
- Sociology
- Geography and Cartography
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Statistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Philosophy
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Information Science/Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Genetics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Architecture
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Library Science, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Archeology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (25 programs)â–¼
- Civil Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Statistics
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Psychology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Music
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Library Science, Other
- History
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Medicine
- Dentistry
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 33,040
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.0%
- Female Students 61.1%
- Caucasian 25.1%
- Asian 29.9%
- Hispanic 23.2%
- Black 3.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of California-Los Angeles's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of California-Los Angeles's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Los Angeles support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Los Angeles, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of California-Los Angeles has a diverse student body, with 25.1% identifying as White. Women make up 61.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of California-Los Angeles support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of California-Los Angeles, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of California-Los Angeles delivers an 5.4% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #48 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 92.7% six-year graduation rate and $59,063 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $14,013 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 96.8% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: University of California-Los Angeles's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A | National Rank: #48 of 1966 | 97.6/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $14,013 annually, University of California-Los Angeles costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 5.4% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($59,063 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 167 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. University of California-Los Angeles balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 92.7% six-year graduation rate sits 30.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.8% first-year retention is 20.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 5.4% return on investment is 79.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $59,063 run about 35% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,013 is roughly $5,896 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.5% employment rate within three years sits 20.3 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 27.1% trails the national share by 6.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of California-Los Angeles, a public university in Los Angeles, CA, secures a A grade in our latest review. It holds a #48 national ranking Completion earns A+, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 96.8% retention and 92.7% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 5.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,013 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $36,643.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,630 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,983 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $59,063 at the median. This is roughly 35% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 88.5%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 5.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
8.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of California-Los Angeles admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90095-1405
- Website www.ucla.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$2.90B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.4%